Sanchez wants Wembley match-winner

14 November 2013 09:31

Alexis Sanchez is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former Chile striker Marcelo Salas and score a match-winning goal against England at Wembley.

Salas, one of Chile's most famous players, struck both goals as the South Americans beat England 2-0 in their own backyard in 1998.

And Barcelona forward Sanchez would love to do the same when the two nations clash in Friday's friendly in London.

"That game is historic for Chile," Sanchez said. "It was something amazing what Marcelo did.

"We hope we are able to do that on Friday.

"Anyone would love to score the winning goal like Marcelo did that day.

"It would be fantastic to score and to help my team win. Any Chilean player would love to score at Wembley."

Sanchez, who scored in last month's 2-1 triumph against Ecuador that saw Chile qualify for next year's World Cup, knows it will not be easy to break down England's backline, though.

Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster could make his England debut on Friday and, if he gets the chance, the 25-year-old will be desperate to show what he can do .

Sanchez went up against Forster in October when Barcelona edged Celtic 1-0 in the Champions League and was impressed with what he saw.

"Fraser is a keeper who is good with his feet," Sanchez said. "He is a complete player and it will be difficult to score against him."

Sanchez is hoping team-mate Jorge Valdivia will help in his quest to find the back of the net.

He said of the Palmeiras attacking midfielder: "Jorge is a player that makes things easy for a striker.

"He provides assists and wonderful passes, which is great for me."

At the other end of the pitch, Sanchez believes Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will pose the biggest threat for his side.

"Rooney has power," he said. "He is one of the strongest forwards in the world.

"It's going to be marvellous to play against him and it's no doubt a motivation for all of us.

"I think we have the defender that can stop him."

Source: PA